Afternoon Tea with James and Lana Kinoshita

Members are in for a very special treat with this New Year visit to the idyllic home of long-standing members James and Lana Kinoshita. Originally built as a weekend retreat for their young family, it has now become their permanent residence since the couple’s retirement from their long careers in the design field.

Born in Vancouver, James was a distinguished Hong Kong architect involved with many significant projects including the Hong Kong Hilton, Jardine House (Connaught House), The Landmark, the Mandarin Oriental Hotel (Bangkok) and the Jinling Hotel in Nanjing. Lana was a successful interior designer and the creative force behind the designs of many hotels and airline offices in Hong Kong. Her first passion, however, was for agriculture, and she has channelled this into her garden designs.

Their home reflects the perfect marriage of architecture and interior/garden design. Stepping through the simple doors that separate the outside world, one is immediately transported to a place of peace and tranquillity, a world that is far from the hustle and bustle of Hong Kong. The house and its garden with classical Asian elements – architecture, vegetation, rocks and colourful carp in a reflective pool – form a work of art. It also sets a perfect stage to capture one of the most beautiful waterfront views of Sai Kung.

To be welcomed into someone’s home is special; to savour afternoon tea at the Kinoshita’s is simply heavenly!